Topic: Bigger Battery?

[Jeffy]

Just curious if anyone is running something larger then a Group 34.  Stock battery is a Group 58.  I'm wondering if I want to run two batteries or one larger battery.

A group 31 would be about 2" taller and 3" longer.  Not sure if it would fit in the stock tray but that's not a big deal.  Dual batteries would require a new tray as well. Seems the Group 34's are common for tractors (big rigs) so they would be easy to find, too.

Group 34

Dimensions:
Item Weight (lbs.):53
Length (in.):10.9
Width (in.):6.8
Height (in.):7.9

Power Ratings: Cold Cranking Amps (CCA at 0 deg.F):880
Reserve Capacity (RC):135 min.
Amp Hours at 20 Hour Rate:68

Group 31

Dimensions:
Item Weight (lbs.):75
Length (in.):13
Width (in.):6.8
Height (in.):9.5

Power Ratings: Cold Cranking Amps (CCA at 0 deg.F):1150
Reserve Capacity (RC):205 min.
Amp Hours at 20 Hour Rate: 205 min.
Amp Hours at 20 Hour Rate: 100

[BoringDave]

Reefer to post 24 of my build thread and you will see the duel setup I made. Since that picture the batteries have been replace with duel Deka group 24 deep cycles each with 500cca. I have also installed a  Cole Hersee 200 amp continues duty relay. So I can link the batteries parrelle for charging and heavy winching. I didn't install a battery isolater because at some point I plan to install a second large frame 100+ amp alternator to that second battery along with on board welder abillity.

[Jeffy]

Reefer to post 24 of my build thread and you will see the duel setup I made. Since that picture the batteries have been replace with duel Deka group 24 deep cycles each with 500cca. I have also installed a  Cole Hersee 200 amp continues duty relay. So I can link the batteries parrelle for charging and heavy winching. I didn't install a battery isolater because at some point I plan to install a second large frame 100+ amp alternator to that second battery along with on board welder abillity.

I'm wondering if anyone's installed one large battery instead of dual batteries though.  I know it's somewhat common swap for JK's but haven't seen it done on anything else.  The Group 31's also popular for those won mount the battery in the back.  The 31's also 25 lbs less when dual 34's.  On the downside, you don't have 24v when/if you want to run a Ready Welder or jumper stick welder.

[dwtaylorpdx]

I found a Gel battery that's a decent bit higher capacity and just fits in the factory tray, got it from battery specialties looked it up by dimensions.

Starts the engine instantly and seems ot run my winch fine , but I don't do heavy long pulls much..

[Jeffy]

I found a Gel battery that's a decent bit higher capacity and just fits in the factory tray, got it from battery specialties looked it up by dimensions.

Starts the engine instantly and seems ot run my winch fine , but I don't do heavy long pulls much..

From what I've read there's a battery that's a little longer but still fits in the stock tray.  I forget what group is it though.  I remember when I installyed by 800U.  You could heard teh speed difference when the starter spun up.  Though I'm thinking about using the Group 34 for more capacity.  Like camping for a week.  Then I can run a freezer/fridge aithout problem.  I also want to add a solar panel under my roof rack so I can trickle charge the battery as well.

[grumpygy]

Well My turn next.  Mine is over 5 years old and has just died from the little cold spell we just had.  Will hit Batteries plus and get the biggest one that will fit.

[Mozman68]

Well My turn next.  Mine is over 5 years old and has just died from the little cold spell we just had.  Will hit Batteries plus and get the biggest one that will fit.

Hah...same thing just happened to me.  Cold finally did it in....so, new battery for whomever buys the Jeep!

[Hunter02]

I'd rather have two decent size batteries than one real big one. No matter how BIG your one battery is, it's still  only ONE BATTERY. I've always run two isolated batteries and have never used a power winch, just a come-a-long. jmho
Hunter
PS What the heck is a fridge?

[grumpygy]

Ordered one of these.

[Jeffy]

Ordered one of these.

That's okay.  I don't need a 800U.  Optima's quality has dropped sicne they moved production to Mexico.  Although it's not as bad as it once was.  I can get a Odyssey battery through Sears just about anywhere.  Not to mention it has moce CCA's.

[95 Lowbuck]

Ordered one of these.

I bought one of these about seven years back, but without the extra terminals, still in the Jeep.
Don't use the side terminals for anything serious as they are thin metal straps connected to the main terminals.

[Mozman68]

I went and bought the Sears Diehard Platinum this weekend to replace my Optima red top....it was then that I realized the Optima lasted more than 8 years!!!   

[Jeffy]

I went and bought the Sears Diehard Platinum this weekend to replace my Optima red top....it was then that I realized the Optima lasted more than 8 years!!!   

Yeah the old Optima's were built really well.  I think they have one in their possession that's from the 80's.  Mine is circa 1998.

[mark23]

My Red top has been running strong since 08, starts the jeep just fine when its -30 in northern NY.

[Jeffy]

When I need to get a new battery it will definitely be a Sears Platinum/Odyssey though.  They're easier to get a hold of and their Deep Cycle.

BTW: two batteries is 106 lbs vs 75 lbs.